Teaching the adding 9 strategy can be so rewarding because it’s one of those lightbulb moments when math just clicks for students. Once they see how to use the make a 10 strategy and connect it to the facts of 9, they’ll be able to solve 9 addition facts with confidence. This strategy is especially effective because it builds on foundational number sense skills like knowing how to make a 10 and easily adding 10 to any number.
Practicing addition strategies by playing games is an effective way to build fact fluency. When students play games, they have fun. A game is much more engaging than flash cards. Games also help them apply the strategies they have learned. This develops a deep understanding of the addition facts and builds number sense. Type your name and email in the boxes, and I will send you the dot game for addition and subtraction within 20. Your students will love it!
Teaching the adding 9 strategy is effective when you use hands-on and engaging approaches. I like to begin with using manipulatives with ten frames and then move to drawings to represent the addition strategy. After using these methods, I like to use games to practice adding 9. All of these activities will help students build fact fluency with the addition facts of nine.
Before Teaching Adding 9
Students need to understand two concepts before they learn the adding nine addition strategy. They must understand 9 is just one step away from 10. If they understand this, then they also need to understand how to add 10 to any number. With a solid knowledge of these two key ideas, they can begin adding 9.
By making a 10 first, students can simplify the problem. For example, in 9 + 4, they can think of it as 10 + 3. To do this, students demonstrate a solid understanding of both key skills.
1. They understand that 9 + 1 = 10.
2. They know how to quickly add 10 to any number which makes this strategy effective.
Once students are familiar with these concepts, they can apply the adding 9 strategy by making a 10 whenever they see a 9 in an addition equation. It’s efficient, builds fluency, and strengthens mental math skills.
Teaching the Adding 9 Strategy
Here are three ways to help your students master the adding nine strategy.
1. Use Manipulatives with Ten Frames to Add 9
Manipulatives make abstract concepts visible, and ten frames are perfect for teaching the adding 9 strategy.
- Set up the problem: Give students two ten frames and counters. Show them a problem like 9 + 5. Place nine counters in the first ten frame which leaves one space empty. Place 5 counters in the second ten frame. I like to use two different colors of counters.
- Make a 10: Ask students, “How many more do we need to make 10?” They’ll add 1 counter to complete the frame.
- Count the rest: Count the remaining 4 counters in the second ten frame and add them to the 10. Now they can see 10 + 4 = 14.
This hands-on activity lets students visually and physically experience making a 10 and reinforces the connection between 9 and 10. Repeat with different numbers for practice.
2. Use Drawings to Visualize the Strategy
Drawing is a low-prep way to help students understand the adding 9 strategy.
- Start with 2 laminated ten frames that can be drawn on. Present a problem like 9 + 3.
- Add dots in the ten frames by having students fill in 9 dots in the first ten frame. I like to have them draw 3 dots in the second ten frame with a different color.
- Then have them draw one dot from the ten frame with 3 dots in the ten frame with 9 dots in it. They need to cross out one of the dots in the ten frame with 3 dots in it. I like to have them circle the full ten frame to emphasize the group of 10.
- Count what is left in the second ten frame. Add these two dots to the ten frame to show 10+2=12. I also like to have them write the equation.
3. Use Games to Practice the Adding 9
Games make learning fun and engaging while giving students the repeated practice they need to master the adding 9 strategy.
Roll and Write: Students roll a dice and then answer the question in the column that has the same number as they rolled.
Addition Bingo: Bingo is always a fun way to practice addition!
Spinning Wheels: Practice adding 9 with a digital game. This PowerPoint game uses a spinner to practice addition facts. Your whole class will be engaged!
Spin and Play: All you need for this game is a pencil and a small paper clip to use as a spinner. Put the paper clip on the center of the spinner, put your pencil in the curve of the paper clip, and flip the paper clip as a spinner. Then answer the question your paper clip lands on and repeat for fun!
Fact Flip: Flip a card and answer a math equation. This is a great game to include in a math center.
Color by Code: This isn’t technically a game, but students love to answer addition facts and then color the picture according to the color code.
Why These Strategies Work
Manipulatives, drawings, and games provide unique benefits for teaching the adding 9 strategy.
- Manipulatives give students a concrete way to see and feel how 9 becomes 10.
- Drawings help students visualize and represent the equation.
- Games keep practice exciting and encourage students to apply the strategy in a fun way.
By using these methods together, you’re giving students a variety of activities to understand and master the adding 9 strategy. They’ll not only become more fluent in addition but also build number sense.
In conclusion, teaching the adding nine strategy is about more than just memorizing facts. It’s about building number sense and problem-solving skills. When students learn to see 9 as a friendly number that leads to 10, they can approach addition with confidence.
Start by introducing the make a 10 strategy, then build fluency with the adding nine strategy using manipulatives, drawings, and games. With these engaging activities, your students will love learning and practicing their 9 addition facts, and you’ll love seeing their math skills soar!
